Diplomats join Diwali celebrations at Ramesh Kumar’s residence

The Pakistan Hindu Council organised Diwali celebrations at the residence of its patron-in-chief Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani in Karachi on Friday to spread interfaith harmony and message of peace.

The event was attended by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Sindh IGP Riffat Mukhtar, JDC general secretary Zafar Abbas, US, France, UAE, Thailand and Indonesian diplomats, and representatives of Muslim and Christian clergy.

Vankwani prayed for the security of Pakistan, saying that the country is a home to people belonging to all religions without any discrimination and they all have a role to play in its development.

He said that the country is rich in natural resources, such as minerals, agriculture and human talent, and all it needs is to step into the right direction, without which progress is not possible. He commented that the citizens of this country, no matter what language they speak and which religion or region they belong to, are equal in the eye of the constitution and have the same rights as others.

The PHC patron-in-chief emphasised that all religions promote peace and harmony, and the people of this country should celebrate each other’s festivals and support one another in times of grief and sorrow to foster the bond among them.

Speaking with The News, PHC president Gopal Khamuani said that Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Shri Ram to his home in Ayodhya from Banwas, which in Sanskrit means taking up residence in a forest and in English as exile.

Referring to the participation of people from other religions in the festival, he said that Hindus are free to celebrate their events with peace in Pakistan and it should be the same everywhere in the world for every person regardless of their faith.

Khamuani lamented that the UN and Western powers are silent over Israel committing atrocities against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. He said that the world is facing a severe humanitarian crisis and global stakeholders must make efforts to ensure peace and freedom for everyone.

Speaking with The News, PHC vice president Raja Bhawan shed light on the message of Diwali that darkness be it of minds or of society could be cured with light, no matter how long it takes to do. He said that Ram set an example for this through his 14-year Banwas. Citing Tharparkar as an exemplary place for interfaith harmony, Bhawan wished that people across the country and the world should participate in each other’s religious and cultural festivals. PHC chief coordinator Kirshan Sagar said that the country boasted a significant number of talent youth and the council along with other stakeholders was working to create opportunities for them in the Information Technology field. On the occasion, music and fireworks were also arranged.